October at Seminole Church
October was jam-packed at Seminole Church. We embraced our sweet tooths (or maybe it’s sweet teeth) at Choctoberfest; initiated Emerge, a brand new “college and career-aged” group; continued our Men’s Monday Night Football; kicked off a Bible study just for the ladies and rounded out the month with one of our all-time favorite community fellowships, Trunk R Treat. Whew! I’m exhausted just recalling it all. What a month it’s been!

Trunk ‘R Treat
Unbelievable is really the only way to describe the Trunk ‘R Treat experience this go-round. Every year, nearly 50 cars gather at the back of our campus with trunks popped open, tricked out with wacky décor and filled with candy to hand out to kids who come by to make the rounds from car to car. This year was no exception, and when the cars began rolling in, we knew that this event was gonna be our best ever. We had everything from the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter in full garb to a “snake pit” ensconced by a mammoth cave to a groovy trio of 60’s hippies on site to dole out the treats.
We planned for 450 guests. But at Seminole, we’re all about people, so we always hope for more. And we were not disappointed. We lost count somewhere around 700 in attendance. We gave away hot dogs & chips, drinks & cupcakes, hayrides (the best ones ever!), prizes and truckloads of candy! In the end, I’m not sure who had the most fun, the kids or the adults. Most likely…it’s a toss up. I know it’s cliché, but a fun time was had by all!

Pie Social on Thanksgiving Eve
Looking ahead to November, we have another one of our favorite get-togethers. I guess they can’t all be favorites, but this one really tops the list. On Thanksgiving Eve, the 24th, we will celebrate our annual Pie Social. Not everyone likes to bake pies, but I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like to eat pie. This gathering is all about just that — sharing. Sharing a slice of pie…and sharing about all that we have to be thankful. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage one another with words of gratitude and enjoy the company of friends and family who are in town for the holiday. Whether you prefer to share aloud about some of the good things that God has done in your life or you’d rather simply listen and enjoy, you’ll find this time together to be heart-lightening…as well as delicious.

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is certainly a time to remember all that we do have and moves us to reflect with grateful hearts. It also reminds us that the end of the year is just within our sites once again. This one, 2010, has had more than its fair share of challenges. Time and again, I’ve found myself with an arm around a pair of shoulders, offering words of support to yet another someone who’s just lost their job or is facing foreclosure or any other number of trying and difficult scenarios. Times are tough. Plain and simple. And yet, even in the midst of great trials and in the face of uncertain futures, I have seen some remarkable things.

Trust in a Loving God
In the place of fear; I’ve observed great courage. Instead of disillusionment with uncontrollable circumstances; I’ve seen unwavering trust…trust in a loving God. And despite seeing no way out or any end in sight; I’ve witnessed faith...growing faith. This in no way minimizes the hardships and heartache faced, but more times than not this year, I’ve been humbled by God’s love and faithfulness and inspired by many of the very ones who are experiencing the brunt of these tough times.

For the past several months, Sunday mornings at Seminole Church have centered around some of these very pressing topics. We’ve talked about “Hoping for a Miracle” and been optimistically expectant, knowing that “Help is on the Way.” And right now we’re hearing about “Life’s  Healing Choices,” essentially learning how to be happy regardless of life’s circumstances. It’s a great place to be each week. When times are tough and the news headlines are routinely discouraging, it’s nice to have a place to go where you can find a good helping of hope!

God bless,

Pastor Jerry